School Days

The boys actually started school last Monday, the 18th. They've done great. Daniel has needed a little extra coaxing, pleading, begging, and/or threatening to get out the door, but he's made it! I'm thinking a nice incentive chart might be in the works. Handsome boy!
Landon was so happy that his online order for his new shoes arrived 2 days before school started so he could wear them on the first day.

It has been nice to have them both in school all day. I almost feel guilty for how much I enjoy the peace and quiet while they are gone. I'm enjoying the time with Emma (she starts preschool 2 days a week after Labor Day) and the freedom to run errands and get things done (such as the new toy room and painting the basement!) I know my life will get turned upside down when the baby comes, so I am making the most of the time now and quite enjoying it! I had to do this and the following blog separately because of computer problems my little brain could not figure out. Make sure to see the little video of cute Emma!

Favorite Things

Emma sat and sang this song over and over again while I cross-stitched. You know, now that I have all this free time with nothing to do and not a care in the world- ha! She was probably bored, but it sure makes me happy when she sings it...I love all the little made up words she sings. I think it makes her happy too. I mean, how can it not?

McAllister Family Reunion Fun

We had a fun time at the McAllister Family Reunion at a cabin in Mt. Pleasant canyon. Lori was in charge of all the happenings and put together a really cute "Olympics" theme. The kids enjoyed all the Olympic games, awards, flags, torch run...thanks, Lori! It's always fun to spend time with family and get to know eachother better! In this event the kids made their own swim goggles out of pipe cleaners.
Here the kids are on their "Parade" with all the wonderful flags they created.
The each recieved a delicious gold medal for their participation in all the games!

We went on a great hike up Box Canyon on Friday. I ended up having to sit and wait part of the time because this belly of mine just wouldn't fit through some of the crevices in the rock. And I really didn't want to risk the chance of a fall. The kids did great though!
There is a cool cave at the top of this thing (or so I'm told). Landon is the one at the very top.
Here's the whole hiking group. I chose to take the picture rather than be in it, thank you.

Dan the Man.
The kids can never really get enough of riding the 4-wheeler with Richard. Of course, they love that he kinda lets them drive by themselves!
Emma and her flag creation.

Fun times, and a great end to our summer. There was a hint of fall in the air in the evenings and we even had to put on the jackets. It was nice and made me excited for fall! The boys started school on Monday and have been doing great. The next blog will include first day of school pics!

Happy Birthday Boys!

It was the boys birthday on Saturday. It's kindof fun to have them on the same day, but I always feel a little bad that maybe they don't get a chance to have their own special day. However, this year we've spread their birthday out over a few days, so I think they are okay with it. We spent the last few days at the McAllister Family Reunion (pics to come on the next blog) and therefore they did not get to open presents from us at home until this morning. We did celebrate at the reunion yesterday with presents, cake and ice cream and a pinata. This Friday they will spend the night at my mom and dads for a birthday sleepover/shopping trip. Here they are yesterday as well as a few pictures from birthdays past. I'm missing a couple of years it seems, but these are what I could round up. Landon is 8 (and will be baptized in September!) and Daniel is 6

Our sweet baby Landon on his first birthday. It seems so long ago that he was that small.
Landons best present on his two year old birthday was his baby brother Daniel.
We went camping this year on their birthday when they turned three and one
True cowboys with their beloved hats turning four and two
Last year in Park City. Seven and five.

Five things we love about Landon:

1) You are so obedient. We rarely have to ask you more than once to do anything!

2) You have great faith. Whenever anything is wrong, you know a prayer or a blessing will help.

3) You love to be a leader. You are so good at taking charge with younger cousins and helping everyone feel included and have fun.

4) You are an amazing eater. You can eat as much as Mom and Dad, you are not picky, and you are super passionate about good food.

5) You catch on to anything you try and you do it well. We love watching you excel in school, piano, sports, art, or anything you try!

Five things we love about Daniel:

1) You are hilarious. You make us laugh on a daily basis. You are just a dang, funny kid.

2) You have an amazing body and we love how strong your muscles are and how soft your skin is!

3) You have such a sweet, gentle side. There is nothing like your angel face when you are holding a baby.

4) You love to sing and we love to listen to you. You've had a fascination with microphones and Voice Male since you could talk and you can already sing higher than Dad.

5) You are a good friend to others. Especially Emma and we love how well you play with her!

We love you both so much and are so happy you are a part of our family!

Daniel-isms

After a family prayer given by Richard:
"Mom and Dad, I kept my eyes closed during the entire prayer.......but Emma didn't!"

Upon seeing the mess of fish food flakes all over the counter I yelled down the stairs to Daniel,
"Daniel, next time you want to feed the fish, ask me or Dad to help you!"
Richard said, "Daniel, Mom's talking to you....what did she just say?"
After a nice pause Daniel replied, "Um....I don't know, but I'm not gonna do it again."

Last Sunday morning all five of us were in our bed (an all too common occurance...yes, I know, one day we'll look back and miss these times) and I happen to have no pj bottoms on (c'mon- it's my bed) and Daniel must have been in fairly close proximity to my rear because I heard him say from under the covers, "Mom, you have a wedgie, I'm gonna fix it for ya." And he did. Hopefully that is the first and last time anyone ever takes care of that for me again!

An early birthday party!

We were able to talk the boys into a "Family Fun Day" at Seven Peaks in place of a birthday party this year. Their birthday isn't until the 16th, but we have a reunion next week and the forecast looked cloudy for this week except Monday so we made a quick decision to go and make a day of it. The kids and I got there at 1:00 and Richard joined us at 4:00. The kids were going strong until we left at almost 8:00! It was a long, hot, but fun day and all three kids had an absolute blast. We all have the sunburns to prove it. I loaded us all up on sunscreen, but apparently seven hours in the sun with only SPF 30 still burns quite nicely. Anyhow, they loved it and we had a really fun time and now we don't have to plan a birthday party! They are already asking when we can go back again!